CHRISTIAN DIOR

PERSONAL LIFE

• Dior was born in France in 1905, and grew up in Paris, he died in 1957
• He was very artistically inclined and left school to work in an art gallery where he sold works by Picasso
• He grew up in the Great Depression
• Dior created his first fragrance "Miss Dior" in his sister's honor
• His first clothing line was published in Harper's Bazaar in 1947

INFLUENCE BY THE WAR

• Dior's parents both died during the depression
• His sister was sent to a concentration camp in the 40's
• Dior lost his art gallery, but continued his projects
• He even designed clothing for Nazi wives during the war
• Post war, Dior helped re establish the fashion industry in Paris

THE NAME

• Dior ultimately built an empire with his name
• His work was first recognized by magazines and he became popular
• Dior designed dresses for celebrities like Rita Hayworth and Margot Fonteyn
• He was even called to design pieces for the Brith Royal Family
• He later established a store in New York which was an instant success

NEW YORK

• Launched New York store in 1948
• A year later he licensed his name
• He began to design all sorts of accessories
• His brand began to spread worldwide
• Yves Saint Laurent began as his apprentice at age 19

IMPACT

• Dior empowered women
• He challenged the industry by designing controversial pieces
• He inspired others with his success
• Dior also helped launch other designers
• His name is now iconic and the brand is still thriving

LEGACY

• Dior suffered a fatal heart attack in 1957
• Laurent was appointed creative director
• His assistant Jacques Rouet remained a part of the company
• The name was eventually bought by Bernard Arnault
• Arnault kept the line as one of the most luxuries brands in the world

INFLUENCE

• Dior is responsible for launching Y. St. Laurent
• He launched the idea of accessories
• He improved the industry by taking risks
• His ideas were absolutely original and changed the face of fashion
• He revived Paris and New York as design epicenters

DIOR TODAY

• Dior has remained one of the most luxurious brands in the world
• Celebrities such as Natalie Portman and Charlize Theron model Dior
• It has expanded into jewelry and makeup
• Seen on runways and red carpets worldwide
• Bill Gayten is current President of Dior

QUOTES

• "Happiness is the secret to all beauty, there is no beauty without happiness"
• "My dream is to save women from nature"
• "A dress is a piece of ephemeral architecture"
• "The tones of gray, pale turquoise and pink will prevail"
• "Women are fascinating between the ages of 35 and 40"

WORKS CITED

• Vogue.co.uk, Dior Biography
• Goodreads.com, Dior Quotes
• Brainyquote.com, Dior Quotes